The Columbus Blue Jackets received some tough offseason news just weeks ahead of training camp. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins underwent successful shoulder surgery on Monday and is currently out indefinitely, with no set timetable for his return.
Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced the procedure on Thursday, noting that the injury was sustained over the summer.
Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins underwent successful shoulder surgery on Monday. No timetable has been set for his return at this time.
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 20, 2026
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"Elvis informed us a few weeks ago that he was experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder during his offseason workouts," Waddell explained in a team release. "Following an MRI, it was determined that surgery was the best course of action. He'll be evaluated again in a few weeks at which time we'll have a clearer idea on when he will be back on the ice".
With training camp officially opening on September 16, the late-summer procedure creates serious doubt regarding the 32-year-old’s availability for the start of the 2026-27 NHL season. The Blue Jackets are scheduled to open their regular season campaign against the Buffalo Sabres on October 1.
In 30 games in 2025-26, Merzlikins posted a record of 14-11-3, with a 3.40 goals-against average, an .883 save percentage, and one shutout. It was his worst season output since the 2022-23 campaign, when he registered a 4.23 GAA and .876 SV% in 30 appearances.